Rail extension opens, on-peak services every 10 minutes

The Inner West Light Rail Extension project is a major addition to Sydney’s transport landscape, making travelling to and from inner-western suburbs a breeze.

Worth $176 million, the project’s significance certainly cannot be doubted and the community will be offered far more frequent light rail services, making their commutes and journeys much easier.

The time has arrived for Sydneysiders to use the service, with the extension officially opening on Thursday, March 27, according to a government statement on March 21.

New connections

The extension project connects the current light rail service, which runs from Central to Lilyfield, all the way to Dulwich Hill, via Sydney’s inner west. The service utilises the old Rozelle freight rail corridor.

During peak hours the service will run every 10 minutes and every 15 minutes at other times. With 7 am – 10 am and 3 pm – 6 pm classified as peak hours, professionals and students alike will be able to use the light rail service without having to check a timetable, given the frequency of the trips.

“Customers … can easily interchange between inner west bus services as well as local train services at Lewisham and Dulwich Hill,” noted Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian.

Ticket prices are not changing, meaning rail customers can travel from as far as Dulwich Hill to Central station for the same fare price that’s been in place for the Lilyfield to Central route.

Better safety

The $176 million upgrade has also improved station safety, with platform shelters, emergency help points, CCTV and new lighting.

Real-time passenger information displays have been installed too.

With the more frequent services offered and better station facilities, the new link may encourage home buyers to consider the inner west, as well as suburbs further out such as Dulwich Hill.